Now the Jewish leaders have a problem – the bodies of all three crucified men must come down off the crosses before sundown – Friday at 6:00pm – the beginning of one of the year’s most important Sabbaths. 

If a Jew touches a dead body on Sabbath, he or she is ‘unclean’ for the Sabbath.

As well, an unusual Mosaic regulation found in Deut 21:22-23 instructs that a body hung on a tree must come down before sundown. To speed up death, the legs of the crucified men are broken. Jesus, however, is already dead. Roman soldiers confirm this with a spear to Jesus’ side, and blood and water pour out.

Joseph of Arimathea hurries to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body, and –surprisingly – is given permission.

Deut 21:22-23

22 “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.

MORE 2022 PASSION WEEK POSTS

• The Women Head to the TombApril 17, 2022
  Sabbath ended at 6pm – 12 hours ago. The women are able to gather what they need to complete the burial rites. … Continue reading The Women Head to the Tomb →
• He is Risen… He is risen, indeed!April 17, 2022
  The disciples return to their homes, but Mary Magdalene stands outside the tomb crying. Jesus appears to her in a precious exchange, … Continue reading He is Risen… He is risen, indeed! →
• What about the bodyApril 17, 2022
  By now, the Roman guards are meeting with Jewish leaders about their incredible experience with the angel who moved the stone – … Continue reading What about the body →
• Good Friday Is CompleteApril 15, 2022
  Good Friday is over and Sabbath begins. Jesus is in the tomb, which is sealed by a stone and guarded by Roman … Continue reading Good Friday Is Complete →
• Body is buried and the tomb is sealedApril 15, 2022
  By now Jesus’ body is off the cross. The Jewish leaders learn that the body of Jesus has been given to Joseph … Continue reading Body is buried and the tomb is sealed →

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